CarteNav Solutions Inc.,based in Halifax and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Provincial Aerospace Ltd., announced that it received a strategic investment from LockheedMartin Aeronautics of $1.4-million (U.S.) under the Canadian government’s Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) investment framework program. The funding provided by Lockheed Martin will be used to augment the ability of CarteNav’s flagship product, AIMS-ISR, so it can integrate with and enhance leading airborne surveillance radars, Paul Evans, CarteNav’s president, said in a statement.

The majority of the product development activity is expected to be completed over a period of two years and will result in the hiring of software engineers and other technical personnel, the firm noted.

The offset investment behind the CarteNav project is in direct support of Lockheed Martin’s IRB obligations associated with Canada’s purchase and in-service support of 17 CC-130J Hercules aircraft. Those planes were delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2010.

“We are very pleased to see our Investment Framework grant going to a highly innovative company like CarteNav,” Charles Bouchard, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Canada, said in a statement. “We have been impressed with CarteNav’s track record of development and commercialization of software products that are globally competitive, and the success of this project will be an excellent example of how large international aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin can collaborate with smaller businesses in Canada to help bring technological advances that create opportunities for lasting business growth in the Canadian economy.”

SNC-Lavalin says it has been awarded a two-year extension to its existing Canadian government contract, valued up to $180-million, to provide in-service support to the Royal Canadian Navy’s minor warships and auxiliary vessels. The contract awarded to SNC-Lavalin in 2011 was an initial four-year contract that included options to extend the duration of the contract up to another four years, the firm noted.

Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace have entered into a strategic partnership for the provision of in-service support (ISS) for C295 aircraft operated by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The announcement follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two companies to pursue global ISS opportunities. It builds on the existing partnership for Canada’s Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) program.

“We are excited to expand our existing relationship with PAL Aerospace beyond Canada’s FWSAR program into further export-oriented opportunities,” Simon Jacques, President of Airbus Defence and Space Canada, said in a statement. “This agreement is testament to how Airbus works to develop partnerships that grow beyond single contracts into lasting, global relationships,” he added.

The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Collectively, the member states already operate nine C295s of 12 ordered in a variety of configurations. The agreement between PAL Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space will allow both companies to leverage their footprint and experience in the region substantially increasing the ISS alternatives for C295 users in the GCC countries, the companies noted.

In 2016, PAL Aerospace celebrated its 10th anniversary working in the GCC. Through its UAE joint venture, PAL Aerospace Services Aircraft Maintenance LLC provides comprehensive ISS support, the company added.

The Canadian government recently announced it is buying an existing unmanned aerial surveillance system, the RQ-21A Blackjack, through a government-to-government contractual arrangement. The deal is being handled through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The contract is valued at $14.2-million (U.S.) and includes initial training.

The RQ-21A Blackjack, produced by Boeing Insitu, based in Bingen, Washington, is a small unmanned aircraft that will provide the Canadian Army with persistent, real-time intelligence through aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, the government noted in a statement. Canada is the first foreign military to acquire the system from the U.S. Navy, according to Canadian officials.

Calian Group Ltd. says it has “re-won” two long-term DND contracts for a combined ceiling value of $29-million with the Military Personnel Generation (MilPersGen) and the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) Schools. The initial contract for the MilPersGen contract is valued at $7-million over a period of 12 months with two one-year options, which if exercised could increase the total contract value to $21-million, the company noted.

Since 2010, Calian has been providing training services to the MilPersGen (formerly Canadian Defence Academy) at schools such as the Canadian Army’s Leadership and Recruit School, the Fire Fighter and CBRN Academy, the Chaplain School and the Logistics Training Centre. This new contract expands the scope of work to include additional schools such as the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre, School of Military Intelligence, School of Meteorology, Military Policy Academy, Language School, and the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School, the firm added.

The initial contract for RCEME is valued at $5-million over a period of 2.5 years with two one-year options, which if exercised, could increase the total contract value to over $8-million, Calian said.

Viking Air Limited of Victoria has now completed the acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier, including transfer of the Type Certificates for the CL-215, CL-215T, CL-415 aircraft and all variants to Viking. Upon completion of the Type Certificate transfer, Viking is designated as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the amphibious aircraft fleet, including full manufacturing design rights for all variants, the company noted. Viking also assumes responsibility for in-service product support for the fleet of 170 water bombers currently in operation in 11 countries worldwide.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.(MDA) has signed a contract with a California-based satellite company ViaSat Inc. to repair, maintain and upgrade ViaSat’s Link 16 military communication terminals, which are currently deployed across Canada by DND.

MDA will use its existing facilities across Canada to perform this operational support, resulting in a decreased maintenance time, and reduced cost to the CAF. The repair and maintenance service will grow into an intermediate maintenance facility (I-Level), as additional terminals and radios are deployed throughout the Canadian military.

NovAtel Inc. of Calgary said the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) selected its GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT), which protects GPS-based navigation and precise timing receivers from intentional jamming and accidental interference, to satisfy a requirement for a controlled reception pattern antenna capability at sites throughout the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). The DoDIN is the core global network of the United States’ military and is depended upon for secure and sensitive voice, data, video and bandwidth services. This latest order brings the number of NovAtel GAJT antennas ordered by the U.S. Navy to over 600, the company noted.

With the Canadian government expected to announce a winner for the RCAF’s Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) project sometime in early 2017, firms involved in bidding are highlighting some of what they can contribute.

Team Spartan, which is offering its C-27J aircraft, recently highlighted the potential economic and job benefits the program could bring to the Halifax region if it is awarded the contract.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, with facilities in Dartmouth, IMP Aerospace and Bluedrop Training & Simulation, both based in Halifax, are key Canadian partners within Team Spartan, the group noted. Economic benefits will be spread across the country if the team is awarded the contract, but the group wanted to highlight the Halifax portion at a September defence trade show in the city.

DRS Technologies Canada Ltd., a Leonardo company, recently announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in Kanata, Ontario. The move completes the merging of two former DRS buildings in the Ottawa region and provides DRS Canada with improved high-tech building infrastructure and additional space that will allow for growth, the firm noted.

DRS Canada has significant defence programs, including the shipboard integrated communications (SHINCOM) system that provides secure naval communications used by maritime forces around the world, including the U.S. and Canada.

And DRS Canada is also a leading Canadian team member and training provider for Team Spartan, the firm noted.

The other main bidder for FWSAR is Airbus Defenceand Space with its C295W aircraft.

Airbus Defence and Space recently announced that advanced electro-optical/infrared turret systems produced by L-3 WESCAM of Burlington, Ontario, reached the 1,000 flight-hour mark in service on customer-operated Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft.

“We congratulate L-3 WESCAM on this milestone,” Simon Jacques, President of Airbus Defence and Space Canada, said in a statement. “L-3 WESCAM is a Canadian global leader in sophisticated imaging systems and we are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with them.”

In addition to providing imaging systems for the worldwide fleet of C295 aircraft, L-3 WESCAM is a major partner in the Airbus Defence and Space bid to supply the C295W as Canada’s new FWSAR aircraft.

Pratt and Whitney Canada also recently delivered the 400th PW127G turboprop engine for the C295W aircraft. The engine is assembled at the firm’s Longueuil, Quebec facility and is the exclusive power plant for the plane, noted Pratt and Whitney Canada.

L-3 WESCAM also recently announced that Mike Greenley has been appointed as president, reporting to Jeff Miller, president of L-3’s Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS) sector. Greenley joins L-3 from CAE Inc., where he served as vice president and general manager of CAE Canada. Greenley has over two decades of experience working in the aerospace and defence industry, the company noted.

In other aircraft news, Field Aviation announced it has delivered the fourth missionized Challenger aircraft to Cobham Aviation Services. This fourth delivery comes just three months after delivery of the third aircraft, the firm pointed out. These aircraft are to provide enhanced search and rescue capabilities in support of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s operations. Field Aviation said it designed, installed, flight-tested, and certified structural, electrical and aerodynamic changes to the aircraft. These included a lavatory, galley, and cabin area reconfiguration, as well as the installation of the sensor provisions and aerodynamic modifications.

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. recently participated in Exercise CUTLASS FURY 16, a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise led by the Royal Canadian Navy. DA Defence’s fleet of Alpha jets and Westwind special mission aircraft joined Canadian and allied ships and aircraft conducting ASW training off the coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, the company said. DA Defence aircraft and crews flew more than 180 sorties on various missions, including anti-ship and electronic warfare training, threat replication and target tow.

Polaris is delivering 36 utility task vehicles and 12 trailers to the Canadian Army. The equipment is being sent to light infantry battalions at Canadian Forces Bases in Edmonton, Petawawa and Valcartier.

The contract is for the Polaris Defense turbo diesel MRZR (MRZR-D) utility task vehicles and 12 tactical trailers. The deal is being handled through Polaris Industries Ltd, the Canada-based office of Polaris Industries Inc.

Trials will be conducted on the equipment and feedback submitted to the Army’s Directorate of Land Requirements. There is an option for up to 18 more MRZR-Ds and up to six more tactical trailers.

In early October, the Finnish navy received the fully refitted minelayer Pansio. The mid-life upgrade was carried out by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Finland Oy together with Uki Workboat Oy as a subcontractor, according to ATLAS ELEKTRONIK. All three Pansio-class minelayers — the Pansio, Porkkala and Pyhäranta — will be refitted. The refitting will extend the use of the ships well into the 2030s.

BGen Dabros graduated from Carleton University (BSc) and from Royal Military College of Canada with a Masters in Defence Studies. In 1990, he was posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. He later was posted to Afghanistan as the deputy commander of the NATO Air Training Mission in Kabul. He received a U.S. Bronze Star. Promoted to brigadier general in 2010, he was later posted to London, UK as commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff responsible for primary liaison between Canadian defence interests and the UK defence structure.

Col Dickson served more than 35 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada, the Canadian Army Command and Staff College, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, a Masters of Mechanical Engineering and a Masters of Military Arts and Science. His deployments included the high Arctic, Pakistan, Bosnia, Turkey and Afghanistan. He served three years as director of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers.

LCol Moore graduated from the University of Waterloo (BSc), McMaster (MBA) and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a logistics officer with a finance specialty and held positions across the Canadian Armed Forces and NATO. His deployments included Bosnia, Belgium and The Netherlands.

“We are very pleased to welcome these three distinguished new members to the Commissionaires Kingston Division Board of Directors,” Col (ret’d)Jim Holsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors Commissionaires Kingston, said in a statement. “Their extensive military backgrounds will greatly help us attract and recruit veterans to our security business in support of our social mandate, as well as guide our Division in its business endeavours.”

TheCanadianArmy has started to train on its new Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles, with the entire fleet expected to be delivered to units across the country by the end of next year.

Textron Systems began deliveries in August and expects to produce about 30 vehicles every month for the Canadian Army, company officials say.

The first six vehicles arrived at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on August 12, the Canadian Army announced.

“The initial cadre training for operators and maintainers will be provided by field service representatives from Textron Systems Canada Inc. with oversight provided by the Canadian Army’s Directorate of Land Requirements and the Combat Training Centre,” the army noted in a statement.

The fleet of 500 Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs) will eventually be distributed across seven bases and 24 units.

Textron Systems Canada Inc. was awarded two contracts in 2012 for the TAPV deal. One $603-million contract was for the acquisition of the 500 vehicles; the second contract was for vehicle support valued at a little more than $105-million.

The final TAPV will be delivered in December 2017.

The Canadian Army has said it expects to declare full operational capability by mid-2020, following training of all operators, and completion of user trials and exercises confirming operational readiness.

Rich Valenti, Textron Systems Vice President of Land Systems, said vehicle deliveries and training are proceeding smoothly. “We are training the trainers,” he explained to Esprit de Corps. “We are giving the Canadian Army the ability to train its own soldiers so they don’t have to rely on us.”

He noted that Textron Systems is teamed with Rheinmetall Canada, both on acquisition and support. “Rheinmetall completes the vehicle with the integration of the remote weapon station and preps it for delivery and supports the delivery process,” Valenti noted. “They are also our Canadian lead for the ISS (in-service support) contract.”

Besides the remotely controlled weapon station, Rheinmetall has also noted it is integrating essential subsystems such as the vehicle navigation system and the driver vision enhancement system. Kongsberg Protech Systems is providing the remote weapon stations, which come equipped with both a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher and a C6 machine gun, the Army pointed out.

With the 4x4 TAPV, the Canadian Army says it is receiving a well-protected vehicle capable of negotiating tough terrain and providing troops with a cross-country capability. At just under 18,597 kilograms in weight, the Army noted that the TAPV can perform a wide variety of roles and tasks, including reconnaissance and surveillance, security (patrolling and escort), command and control, and armoured transport of personnel and equipment. The vehicle is also air transportable. Each of the RCAF’s C-17s can haul four TAPVs.

The vehicles are being delivered in two variants, according to the Army: a general utility variant and a reconnaissance variant. The TAPV will partially replace the Coyote Light Armoured Vehicle, completely replace the Nyala RG-31 armoured patrol vehicle and complement the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW), Army officers say.

The 2nd Canadian Division is expected to be the first formation to operate theTAPV; it will see action in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2018.

Canada’s TAPVis based on Textron Systems’ Commando series of vehicles. Valenti said the firm already had an advanced design in mind when the Canadian competition was announced. “We already had a design and we began to tweak that design for the Canadian opportunity,” he explained.

The firm kept an eye on the U.S. MRAP (Mine-Resistant AmbushProtected)vehicle project, which was fielding a fleet for Iraq and Afghanistan designed to withstand improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

But with the high levels of armour protection, those vehicles lost much of their mobility. That, in turn, limited them in the missions they could undertake. But Textron was keen to avoid such limitations.

“The real hallmark of the TAPV is the combination of the high protection level without compromising mobility capabilities,” Valenti said. “For a vehicle of its size and payload capability, it has extremely high levels of mobility.”

The Canadian TAPV eventually became what the firm also calls its Commando Elite vehicle. “So when we developed the TAPV Commando Elite our focus was on having those high levels of protection without compromising on the vehicle’s mobility,” Valenti said. “We think we hit that sweet spot.”

That view was backed by the rigorous Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Durability (RAMD) test program, completed earlier this year. Tests included driving more than 130,000 kilometres on challenging terrain representing operational profiles prescribed by the Canadian Army, Textron noted. The TAPV’s RAMD testing also included firing the remote weapon station and conducting more than 4,700 hours of remote weapon station usage. Testing was conducted over three months, day and night, six days per week. The final results showed that the TAPV exceeded the reliability and maintainability requirements of the contract, the firm said.

The Department of National Defence procurement process also allowed Textron Systems to make improvements based on issues identified during the RAMD. “When we started the RAMD testing initially the vehicle weight had increased,” Valenti explained. “When we started the heavy severe off-road testing we saw some need to improve suspension and steering systems.”

The end result was a higher performing, higher quality vehicle than was anticipated, he added. “And that’s a win-win for everybody,” Valenti said. “It’s a win for the Canadian soldier because he gets a vehicle that is extremely reliable and it’s a win for Textron because we now have a Commando Elite we can market that has extremely high reliability.”

In turn, the Canadian deliveries prove to potential customers the vehicles are successfully being fielded. Nations in the Middle East, Europe and Africa are among those who have closely watched the Canadian Army project.

“We have a number of countries interested,” Valenti said. “Hopefully now that we have deliveries flowing into Canada we will be able to get some sales internationally.”

More than 8,000 Commando armoured vehicles are in service worldwide, including with militaries from Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States.

Boeing’s Apache helicopter has become the mainstay for rotary close air support on the modern battlefield for the U.S. and some of its allies. That presence is now expanding.

In mid-July, the U.S. and United Kingdom signed a deal that will see Boeing deliver 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the British Army. The first helicopters will be built by 2020. Flight operations with the British Army would begin two years later.

In addition, in early June, the U.S. government announced that Qatar will acquire 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters.

Boeing also received in April a significant contract from the U.S. Army. That will see 117 AH-64D Apaches remanufactured to the new AH-64E model. The agreement, which also includes the acquisition of Longbow Crew Trainers, logistical support and spares, carries a total contract value of about $1.5-billion U.S., according to Boeing.

That work is being done at the Apache production facility in Mesa, Arizona. The work will be completed in May 2018.

Jesse Farrington, senior manager for Apache Global Sales and Marketing, told Espritde Corps earlier this year during a tour of the Mesa facilities, that the U.S. has made it clear it has a long-term commitment to the Apache. “Right now the U.S. Army is saying that they will be flying these aircraft to 2060,” he explained. “Customers around the world will benefit from that.”

Besides the U.S. Army, Apaches are in service with the militaries of South Korea, the Netherlands, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Japan, and Taiwan.

The helicopter entered production in the mid-1980s and more than 2,100 have been delivered to the U.S. Army and allied defence forces. The U.S. Army has stated it plans to acquire 690 AH-64E Apaches, 290 of which are now under contract with the award announced in April, Boeing officials pointed out.

The U.S. Army is also developing an update for the AH-64E that it hopes will be ready by 2018. That would include improved fire control radar, a boost in the speed of onboard processing, and an expansion of the ability to communicate with troops on the ground, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

Provincial Aerospace Ltd. (PAL) and CarteNav Solutions Inc. announced August 8 that they have entered into an agreement under which PAL has acquired CarteNav.

CarteNav is a Nova Scotia-based software developer that provides situational awareness and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for maritime, land, and air environments.

Its flagship product is AIMS-ISR, which is being used in more than 30 countries around the world, the two firms pointed out in their news release. “There are many synergies between our two companies as we are each leaders in our specific segments of the ISR market,” Brian Chafe, CEO of PAL Aerospace, noted in a statement. “Together we look forward to enhancing the product and service offerings we are each able to offer.”

L-3 Communications says its WESCAM Division has received multiple orders from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for its MX-15D electro-optical and infrared designator systems. The orders are for an undisclosed international military customer. L-3’s equipment will support medium-altitude covert ISR missions carried out by GA-ASI’s Predator XP remotely piloted aircraft system, L-3 said in its news release.

Deliveries to GA-ASI in California began earlier this year, the firm added. Once fielded, the systems will be maintained by one of L-3 WESCAM’s 14 authorized service centers.

Meanwhile, L-3 also announced Canada has awarded L-3’s MAS Division a contract to provide engineering, repair and overhaul, and publication management services on the CT-114 Tutor aircraft demonstration fleet. This two-year contract will run from 2016 to 2018 and includes three additional option years, the firm noted.

“As the OEM of the aircraft, we are excited that this contract will provide us with the opportunity to demonstrate our exceptional ISS capabilities,” Jacques Comtois, vice president and general manager of L-3 MAS, said in a statement. “With our extensive CT-114 experience and versatile expertise, we are proud to offer the most cost-effective and technically superior solutions to keep the fleet airborne over the coming years.”

Directed by controllers, Top Aces says its pilots flew close air support missions, simulating the delivery of munitions in close proximity to friendly forces.

Rheinmetall will supply the Royal Canadian Navy with decoy ammunition for the next 30 years.

Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada have recently signed a licence agreement to produce Omnitrap decoy ammunition for the RCN.

The contract encompasses the supply of core components by Rheinmetall for Omnitrap decoy ammunition, the company’s news release pointed out. Rheinmetall will provide technical assistance in setting up the assembly line at the General Dynamics facility in Répentigny, Que., where final assembly will take place.

Rheinmetall pointed out that in 2009 it won a contract to outfit 12 Canadian Halifax-class frigates with MASS (Multi-Ammunition Softkill System), an automated decoy system which offers protection against incoming anti-ship missiles.

Most Canadian Halifax-class frigates have been equipped with MASS systems along with a basic load of Omnitrap and MASS Dueras decoy ammunition, the firm noted.

In 2015, Canada placed an order for 2,450 Omnitrap decoy rounds with Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada.

The newly signed agreement will continue this supply relationship as well as the support that both companies provide the Canadian government for the next 30 years, according to Rheinmetall.

Field Aviation says it has delivered the third of four missionized Challenger aircraft to Cobham Aviation Services. These aircraft are to provide enhanced search and rescue capabilities in support of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) operations, according to Field Aviation. The firm noted that it designed, installed, flight tested, and certified structural, electrical and aerodynamic changes to the aircraft.

Esterline CMC Electronics has been awarded a contract by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. to supply its cockpit avionics for eight PC-21 turboprop trainer aircraft. Those planes are for the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Esterline CMC said it will supply the cockpit displays, dual flight management systems and GPS landing system sensors as well as the head-up display sub-system.

Esterline CMC Electronics has also been awarded a contract by Pilatus Aircraftto supply its advanced cockpit avionics for the Royal Australian Air Force fleet of 49 PC-21 turboprop trainer aircraft.

The Canadian government has awarded Lockheed Martin a $14.5-million contract to provide long-term support for the Submarine Fire Control System (SFCS) installed on all four Victoria-class submarines and land-based team trainers. The scope of the contract will contain in service and field service support, obsolescence management, and technical investigations as requested by DND, according to Lockheed Martin.

The work on this program will be conducted at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Manassas, Virginia and Dartmouth, NS, and via field service support at Canadian forces bases Halifax and Esquimalt.

Bluedrop's CH-46 Chinook helicopter Rear Crew Trainer is integrated with a Canadian-built fuselage, which is part of a 42 foot-long mock-up of the Chinook helicopter that is integrated with Boeing's cockpit training simulator system.

IMP Aerospace has delivered the final re-winged P-3 Orion aircraft to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), marking the successful completion of the multi-year program, company officials announced. The aircraft are very similar to the Canadian CP-140 Auroras, which are also receiving new wings, as well as mission system upgrades as part of a mid-life upgrade being undertaken at IMP Aerospace under a separate contract.

The wing replacement is part of the Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP), which also includes the replacement of the center wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer, IMP noted. Under this program, all life-limiting components are replaced with new materials incorporating advanced alloys, yielding a five-fold increase in corrosion resistance and resulting in a significant reduction in future maintenance and operating costs, the firm pointed out.

The ASLEP(N) contract was awarded to IMP in February 2008, to refit the entire RNoAF fleet of six P-3 Orion aircraft.

David Gossen, IMP Aerospace & Defence President, stated the firm is “very pleased to successfully complete this complex modification program on the RNoAF P-3 Orion fleet. During the course of this multi-year program, we have continued to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the RNoAF as their provider of in-depth maintenance and engineering services.”

Lockheed Martin assembled the replacement wings and other components — some of which were fabricated in Canada — for the Norwegian P-3s at its facility in Marietta, Georgia. The completed assemblies were then shipped to IMP for installation on the aircraft.

L-3 MAS announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide avionics upgrade kits for the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 early Lot C aircraft. The F/A-18 C+ upgrade kit will provide the USN with parts required to modernize a portion of its legacy fleet to ensure it maintains its operational viability to meet ongoing strike fighter commitments. The contract calls for 28 kits, L-3 MAS officials said.

L-3 MAS is seen as a global leader in providing F/A-18 A-D depot maintenance, system upgrade and life extension solutions and has provided such support to Canada, Australia, Finland, Spain, Switzerland and the U.S. Navy.

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. (DA Defence) has had its standing offers to provide interim Contracted Airborne Training Services (“ICATS”) to the Canadian government extended until December 2017, with two additional six-month option periods.

DA Defence has been the exclusive supplier of “fast jet” (Type 1) and “business jet” (Type 2) airborne training services to the Canadian Armed Forces through these standing offers since 2005, the company pointed out. The ICATS program supports live-fly adversary, joint terminal attack controller training, electronic warfare and electronic attack training as well as live fire target practice.

In February 2016, in its bid for the Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program, DA Defence submitted a highly competitive, “true Canadian” solution that it says creates high quality jobs and investment across Canada.

Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. and Boeing announced they completed a major milestone in the development of the next-generation CH-47 Chinook helicopter Rear Crew Trainer with the integration of its Canadian-built fuselage with Boeing’s cockpit training simulator system.

The fuselage is part of a 42 foot-long mock-up of the Chinook helicopter that was manufactured by Bluedrop and installed in its Bluedrop Training and Simulation Centre facility in Halifax. The team has also tested, and is on track to achieve a 100 per cent untethered, or wireless, virtual reality training experience to maximize the flexibility and safety of the trainer.

The initial development phase of the trainer began one year ago following a more than US$2 million cash commitment from Boeing as well as an intellectual property license associated with the specific technical characteristics of the Chinook platform, engineering support from the Boeing training and simulation group during the development phase, and a five-year commitment to support the on-going sales and marketing of the new product within Boeing’s global supply chain.

“This major milestone would not have been reached without the full commitment of Boeing’s engineering group,” said Jean-Claude Siew, Bluedrop’s Vice President of Technology and Simulation. “The combined efforts and expertise led to the design of the most innovative solution integrating virtual reality and real time simulation.”

The integration and testing process will continue through the fall, with a full demonstration of the stand-alone trainer ready by year end. Final delivery of the trainer to Boeing is anticipated in early 2017. The Chinook is used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard and more than 19 countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Greece, Spain, South Korea, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc., a subsidiary of Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc., received a US$13 million contract from Sikorsky to provide instructors and training courseware for pilots and maintainers learning to operate Canada’s new fleet of 28 CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters. The agreement extends by three years the training that Bluedrop has provided to the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project since 2010.

Bluedrop will provide over 30 technician and aircrew instructors, simulator operators and training program support personnel for the 406 Operational and Training Squadron located at 12 Wing Shearwater in Nova Scotia. The Cyclone training suite includes two flight simulators, two operational mission simulators, six mission procedures trainers and two aircraft maintenance trainers, supplemented by several maintenance part task trainers.

C4i Training & Technology of Calgary supported a series of emergency response exercises, running along the West Coast of the United States and Canada, in an effort to prepare local leaders for a large-scale earthquake and resulting tsunami.

C4i’s Emergency and Disaster Management Simulation was selected as the simulation driver for the Washington State National Guard and Oregon National Guard events on CASCADIA RISING.

Also, in partnership with Calian, C4i provided EDMSIM to EMBC, providing the scenario, visualization and social media stimulus to the Provincial Emergency Management organization’s preparation exercise.

Clive Morgan, C4i’s Vice President of Customer Solutions, said the exercises were the largest ever concurrent emergency preparedness event on the West Coast. “We are delighted that our product is independently supporting these events and helping the emergency management decision makers to create robust plans to ensure that lives will be protected and property damage will be mitigated in the event of the Big One,” he said.

The deal includes the Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber and its variants, as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T Versions, Viking officials said.

The transaction will see Viking acquire the manufacturing rights for all variants of Bombardier’s amphibious aircraft, and assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers in service with 21 operators in 11 countries around the world, Viking noted.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

GE’s Marine Solutions business in Peterborough, Ontario, is completing one of the first milestones of the company’s 7-year contract with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., to provide electrical power, propulsion systems, installation and commissioning services for six ice-capable Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy.

GE’s power and propulsion systems will position the new vessels amongst the highest performance in their class worldwide. Four diesel generators and engines have been shipped to Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard, and GE has begun acceptance testing on the first AOPS propulsion motor.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada successfully completed at-sea testing for its MATADOR Torpedo Detection System under the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP). The testing, conducted on board a Royal Canadian Navy ship, confirmed the detection and tracking capabilities of the MATADOR system against heavyweight anti-ship torpedoes.

MATADOR is an acoustic processing system optimized for torpedo detection and designed to be used with a wide range of passive underwater sensors. The system’s open architecture and flexible interface allow it to be configured to work seamlessly with almost any sensor. Sensor systems fitted with the specialized MATADOR acoustic analysis capability can provide additional levels of warning that reduce mission risk, allowing ships to operate more safely and effectively in the far oceans of the world.

Under the BCIP, innovative Canadian products are matched with a government department for testing in a relevant operational environment. The MATADOR system was installed onboard HMCS Calgary using the existing towed sonar array as the underwater sensor.

The Royal Canadian Navy recently tested an integrated submarine combat system developed by Lockheed Martin. The test marked Canada’s first use of the combat system with the MK 48 heavyweight torpedo, variant 7AT.

The exercise took place at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) on the U.S. Navy Yard Torpedo Tender Battle Point, a surface ship that can launch torpedoes from submarine tubes, Lockheed Martin said.

The next step is to install the submarine combat system on the Victoria-class submarine for further test firings, according to Lockheed. The plan is to upgrade all Victoria-class submarines to the CCS 876 Combat System over the next few years.

Along with the CCS 876 Combat System, the RCN is also deploying the AN/BQQ-10(v)7 sonar system developed by Lockheed Martin, the company pointed out.

Textron Systems' A2PATS is designed to verify that U.S. and allied aircraft electronic warfare (EW) systems have the ability to precisely locate, identify and defend against ground-based, surface-to-air missile threats. The Canadian government has chosen this simulator for the new Electronic Warfare Threat Simulator (NEWTS) program.

Textron Systems recently announced that the Canadian government had selected the firm’s advanced architecture phase amplitude and time simulator (A2PATS) for the New Electronic Warfare Threat Simulator (NEWTS) program.

Meggitt Target Systems (MTAS) has been awarded a five-year national individual standing offer worth up to $35 million from Canada’s Department of National Defence. The NISO, for surface and aerial target systems, includes provisions for two option years, the company pointed out.

The majority of the targets will be manufactured at MTAS’s manufacturing facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with production deliveries expected this year.

The target systems selected include Hammerhead, an advanced unmanned surface vehicle target that can form part of a swarm threat simulation of up to 16 vessels, and Vindicator, an aerial target that can present the appearance of various aircraft profiles to radar, for naval weapons development and personnel training.

“The Canadian Armed Forces are a long-standing user of Meggitt target systems and we are delighted to be able to support their training and test and evaluation requirements locally,” MTAS’ managing director, Peter Longstaff, said in a statement.

Nortrax Inc. recently opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Ottawa, just off of Highway 7 west of Stittsville. Nortrax, a John Deere company, operates John Deere construction and forestry dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. The flagship location will serve the construction, forestry, and quarry business in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

But besides the quest for business in those areas, the facility will be a base for the company’s interest in the Canadian military’s Common Heavy Equipment Replacement project.

The project will improve the Canadian Armed Forces’ mobility, counter-mobility, force protection and sustainment capabilities by recapitalizing existing fleets of heavy support equipment, according to the military.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is trying to figure out how to proceed on a trade ruling governing the purchase of MSVS Standard Military Pattern trucks for the Canadian Army.

In July the Conservative government announced that Mack Defense LLC had won the $834 million contract to provide 1,500 trucks. But the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) recently upheld a complaint from Oshkosh Corporation that the procurement was flawed. The ruling calls on PSPC to re-evaluate Oshkosh’s design. If the results show the company should have won the contract, the ruling recommends the government then compensate Oshkosh “for the profits it would have received had it been properly awarded the contract.”

There are also a number of other ways to deal with the situation, according to the CITT, but they all involve Oshkosh walking away with some cash to compensate the company for the problem procurement.

Whatever the amount, the Department of National Defence is still proceeding with the purchase. “The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will not recommend that the contract awarded to Mack Defense LLC be cancelled,” the CITT ruling noted.

DND spokeswoman Ashley Lemire said that, “The Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruling is not influencing timelines on the MSVS Standard Military Pattern contract with Mack Defense. With respect to progress, National Defence has completed the first portion of the test programme, which was performed in France. We will be pursuing testing in Canada over the summer and fall of this year. In February, the Crown and Mack Defense agreed to postpone vehicle deliveries to the fall of 2017 to better align requirements verification with production. Other deliverables, such as trailers and armoured protection systems, are scheduled to start delivery in the summer of 2017.”

Saab announced it has received an order from Lockheed Martin Canada to add optronic sensors to the RCN’s Ceros 200 fire control directors. Manufactured by Saab, the Ceros 200 is outfitted on all of Canada’s Halifax-class frigates. There is also a land-based test site.

Lockheed Martin Canada is the prime contractor for Canada’s frigate modernization program. The work specified in the order will be carried out during 2016 and 2017, according to the companies.

aab is adding optronic sensors to the RCN's Ceros 200 fire control directors, which are currently outfitted on Canada's Halifax-class frigates. It provides defence against modern threats such as advanced sea-skimming missiles. According to Saab, the Ceros 200 is used on more than 200 ships around the world (Saab)

“This is an important additional order within one of Saab’s core areas on the key Canadian market that further cements our partnership with Lockheed Martin and the Canadian customer,” Patric Palmer, responsible for Saab market area North America, said in a statement.

The work will be carried out at Saab in Sweden as well as in Canada.

The additional sensors provide a complement to radar in the Ceros 200 fire control director for naval ships. When interfaced with modern missile or gun systems, it provides excellent defence against any threat including advanced sea-skimming missiles or asymmetric surface threats in littoral environments.

L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. has announced it plans to open a design, engineering and support facility in Ottawa. This would be done under the new organization, L-3 Communication Systems – Canada. The facility will accommodate a team of highly specialized design, software and systems engineers. It will also include a state-of-the-art communications system laboratory that will provide an integration test bed and demonstration environment for future maritime communications architectures for the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine and surface fleets.

The addition of L-3 Communication Systems – Canada to its other world-class organizations, including MAS, WESCAM, MAPPS, Electronic System Services and Targa, reaffirms L-3’s standing as one of the premier defence companies in Canada, the firm noted.

L-3 has a growing business base in Canada, which company officials say reflects the firm’s increased focus on marine communications and electronic systems integration.

“This state-of-the-art engineering centre will be an important contributor to the Ottawa technological community, leading our efforts to best support our Canadian communications and systems integration operations,” John Mega, president of L-3’s Communication Systems business segment, said in a statement.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica, through its aircraft division, and Canada-based Esterline CMC Electronics have strengthened their relationship as part of Team Spartan through an agreement for the supply of high-performance avionics systems for the C-27J Spartan fleet.

Team Spartan, led by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, Leonardo Aircraft Division and DRS Technologies Canada, is competing for Canada’s Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) program with the C-27J Spartan aircraft.

Under the terms of the agreement, Esterline will supply its high-performance CMA-9000 Flight Management System, CMA-5024 GPS Landing System Sensor and TacView Portable Mission Display to the C-27J Spartan fleet, providing the aircraft with multisensory-based navigation and enhanced operational capability. Its unique combination of civil certification with advanced tactical functions, radio management and night vision goggle-capability make it the product of choice for military and commercial operations.

Boeing announced during CANSEC 2016 that it completed a (US) $749 million commitment for industrial and regional benefits in Canada. That IRB is related to the purchase of the C-17 for the RCAF. Participating in the Boeing C-17 Strategic Airlift Acquisition IRB program are 61 companies, including 21 small- and medium-sized enterprises, from eight Canadian provinces. Companies like Bluedrop and Solace Power of Newfoundland and Labrador, Héroux-Devtek Inc. of Québec, and MDA Systems of British Columbia, received work packages in the areas of aerospace manufacturing, research and development, engineering software, training systems, and more, Boeing noted.

On March 28, 2016, Schiebel's Camcopter S-100 was launched from the deck of a Canadian Coast Guard vessel off the coast of Newfoundland.

Is there potential work for companies on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Kingston-class ships? The answer could come later this year. The RCN is now conducting a feasibility study about extending the life of the Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs).

The vessels have a design life of 25 years making the “end” of life of the ships between 2020 to 2023, Royal Canadian Navy officers recently told industry representatives.

The ships were delivered starting in the mid-1990s. The RCN has operated its ships beyond their life expectancy by doing various upgrades.

The RCN is now studying the potential for life extensions of five, 10 and 15 years on the Kingston-class ships, industry reps were told. It hopes to complete its study by August 2016.

Fleetway and Irving Shipbuilding announced a $15 million contract to the Halifax-based company Bluedrop Training & Simulation, for the design of the training and simulation software for theArctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).

The AOPS, currently under construction at Irving’s Halifax Shipyard, are the first ships to be built under the combat vessels package of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

“This contract with Bluedrop provides a significant investment in Nova Scotia, creating jobs and economic spinoff in the province,” Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding, said in a statement. “By investing here at home, Irving Shipbuilding can help ensure Canadian companies who are engaged in the shipbuilding industry remain competitive for years to come.”

Currently, Bluedrop’s Halifax office has 25 full- and part-time employees dedicated to work on the AOPS project, including eight positions that were created as a direct result of the contract, the firms noted.

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. (DA Defence ) recently flew in the first-ever German Air Force Eurofighter Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC). Two DA Defence A-4N Skyhawks flew a number of support missions as Red Air to provide aggressor and dissimilar air combat training (DACT) for Eurofighters from Tactical Flying Wing 73 “Steinhoff” in Laage, Germany, according to the company.

“These missions mark an important achievement in our German program,” Rolf Brandt, Senior Program Manager – German Operations, DA Defence, noted in a statement. “The Luftwaffe has placed their trust in Discovery Air Defence to deliver professionally operated, highly-representative adversaries to train Germany’s elite Eurofighter pilots in advanced fighter weapons skills and tactics.”

DA Defence began its contracted airborne training services for the German armed forces in January 2015.

Rheinmetall will supply training equipment for the new Embraer KC-390 transport plane. Rheinmetall’s simulation and training business unit will design, manufacture, deliver and support all training devices for the aircraft, including cargo handling, procedure and maintenance trainers as well as flight and mission training systems.

The Canadian government awarded Raytheon Canada Limited contracts, estimated to be worth $36 million, for the acquisition of up to 58 Naval Remote Weapon Stations.

The new weapon stations will be installed on Canada’s existing fleet of Halifax-class modernized frigates, as well as on the future Queenston-class Joint Support Ships. The deal also includes maintenance of the equipment for an initial five years, and will include two weapon stations for use in training at both the East and West Coast fleet schools.

Ottawa-based engineering firm WR Davis Engineering Ltd is the first Canadian company to secure a manufacturing contract to provide key equipment to the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship Program, according to BAE Systems.

BAE Systems, the designer and manufacturer of the anti-submarine warfare ship, awarded the $12 million contract to WR Davis for the uptake and downtake elements of the ship’s funnel and exhaust system for the first three Type 26 ships. These components are key elements of the engine and propulsion system in the UK’s new Royal Navy ships.

The Canadian government and DND renewed its operations contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) of Richmond, BC will continue to provide operational support for the East and West Coast RADARSAT-2 ground systems that support the Polar Epsilon Near Real-Time Ship Detection(NRTSD) system. The option is estimated at $2.4 million and extends support until March 2017.

The NRTSD system is a broad-area surveillance system that was delivered by MDA to DND in 2012. The system delivers space-based, day and night, all-weather maritime surveillance information of Canada’s Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and includes global high-resolution surveillance capabilities to support deployed Canadian Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, MDA has a new CEO. On May 16 Howard L. Lance took over as CEO, replacing Daniel Friedmann, who had been chief executive of the British Columbia-based space and defence technology firm since 1995. “This appointment is part of MDA’s broader strategy to position itself to enable the company to bid and execute a much broader range of U.S. government and commercial contracts,” the firm noted.

The Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, National Research Council and Royal Canadian Navy flew an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Fogo Island, off the north-east coast of Newfoundland, in late March to assess its potential to support Coast Guard operations at sea.

On March 28, the UAV was launched from the flight deck of a light icebreaker and sent real-time data on ice conditions to the ship, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The trial will help the Coast Guard determine how UAVs can assist during icebreaking operations. It will also help Transport Canada explore the use of similar technology.

The trials were conducted in partnership with Schiebel, the Austria-based company that developed the UAV, the department noted. The UAV model that was tested is a Schiebel Camcopter S-100, which can operate day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range of up to 200 km both on land and at sea.

“The Camcopter S-100, equipped with the Wescam MX-10S payload camera, once again demonstrated its operational value and mission effectiveness in open waters under icy winter conditions,” Schiebel noted in a statement. “The combination of the VTOL air vehicle and the Wescam MX-10S camera demonstrated its potential to easily identify vessels, animals and objects at long ranges at sea.”

France’s DCNS consortium will build Australia’s new submarine fleet in a deal estimated to be worth up to $50 billion. Twelve submarines will be constructed. DCNS will build a diesel-electric variant of its Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine.

Postmedia has discovered that the Harper government quietly helped fund improvements for Seaspan in its Vancouver shipyard. Those improvements came as the company was preparing for its role in the NSPS. The funding runs contrary to claims made by the government that yards would receive no money to improve their facilities, according to Postmedia.

Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards received about $40 million in 2014–15 to get its engineering systems up to speed as it prepared to build non-combat vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, it reported.

Public Services and Procurement Canada acknowledges the money was provided to the company in what is called the Horizontal Engineering Program Plan (HEPP) contract.

“The work under the HEPP contract is clearly distinguished from the capital investments made by the shipyards, which have been made at zero cost to Canada,” Public Services spokesman Pierre-Alain Bujold told Industry Watch. “It is in no way related to the criteria which the shipyards were required to meet, at their own cost, to achieve target-state to start building vessels.”

But Bujold acknowledged that HEPP “is a services contract that aims to coordinate, align and manage the non-combat package more strategically.”

GeoSpectrum Technologies of Dartmouth, NS announced it has been awarded a contract to provide a Digital Preview Processor (DPP) to the Royal Canadian Navy’s Acoustic Data Analysis Centre (ADAC) for post-mission analysis.

GeoSpectrum’s DPP system will be based on its TruView sonar processing system, previously delivered to ADAC and currently in use, the company noted. TruView is a system built using a mix of Canadian government and GeoSpectrum intellectual property (IP). Government IP includes software libraries from Defence Research and Development Canada’s Software Tools for Analysis and Research (STAR) and System Test Bed (STB) software suites. Atlas Elektronik Canada and Pernix Technology will also help the team develop key data interfaces using their background knowledge and experience, according to GeoSpectrum Technologies.

The team’s efforts include ensuring that the new DPP TruView can interface with Atlas Elektronik Canada’s Osprey processor to provide a smooth analysis workflow. Osprey is a post-mission analysis solution currently in use with the RCN.

GeoSpectrum’s long-term vision for the DPP version of TruView is to provide processing for all Canadian sonar systems, company officials said. “This is a very exciting and strategic milestone for GeoSpectrum. This contract further proves our claim that we can provide leading-edge sonar systems quicker and for less cost using our collaborative approach,” Joe Hood, GeoSpectrum’s software product manager, said in a statement.

MBDA recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the supply of a coastal defence system for the Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF). The memorandum will pave the way in the short term for a contract that could be worth an estimated $950 million.

The supply of these coastal missile systems will allow the QENF to monitor maritime coastal traffic and prevent hostile ships from reaching and threatening their territorial waters. The coastal missile systems can deploy two different munitions, Exocet MM40 Block 3 and Marte ER (the Extended Range version of the Marte missile), reflecting the maturity and excellence of these munitions, MBDA officials said. The system can work in autonomous mode with its own radar, or alternatively by data-linking to a higher level within a wider coastal surveillance network.

IMP Aerospace has laid off 44 employees because of what the company is saying is a delay in renegotiating contracts for ongoing work on the RCAF’s Cormorant and CP-140 Aurora fleets.

Thirty-five airframe mechanics, five avionics staff and four support employees have been laid off in the Halifax area.

The Department of National Defence wants to redefine the type of work being performed under the support contract for the Cormorants. The existing contract allows for such changes.

The other contract involves work on the modifications on the Auroras. DND wants to examine the work so far before proceeding with more upgrades so that has delayed ongoing work. It is unclear when work on both fleets will recommence. Union officials told the CBC that junior employees are mainly affected by the layoffs.

Straightline Aviation (SLA) signed a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase up to 12 Lockheed Martin Hybrid Airships with a potential value of approximately $480 million. SLA is working with Hybrid Enterprises, Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship reseller, to finalize the purchase agreement.

Based in the UK, the leadership team of SLA has long-term experience in airship operations and established the company specifically to act as an owner-operator of Hybrid Airships.

“Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship represents a revolution in remote cargo delivery,” Rob Binns, chief executive officer of Hybrid Enterprises, said in a statement. “Having an experienced team such as SLA recognize the Hybrid Airship’s potential by signing the LOI solidifies the demand for this new mode of transportation. We are honored and excited to share this milestone with them.”

With its tri-lobe shape and air cushion landing system, the Hybrid Airship can affordably transport cargo and passengers to and from the most remote locations, according to the companies. They require little or no fixed ground infrastructure and burn significantly less fuel compared to conventional aircraft thereby making them an environmentally friendly solution to remote cargo delivery, the firms added.

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. recently deployed aircraft from the Wittmundhafen Air Base in Germany to participate in the annual Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Canary Islands.

Flying embedded with German air force Eurofighter squadrons, DA Defence A-4N Skyhawks joined units on exercise for air combat training with different fighter aircraft, including F-16, F-18 and Mirage 2000, DA Defence officials said. Unlike training with similar aircraft, DACT allows pilots to experience the flight profiles, characteristics and presentations of different combat aircraft, the company noted.

“We brought very positive training challenges for all participants at DACT 2016,” Rolf Brandt, senior program manager of German operations, said in a statement. “As dedicated Red Air aggressors, the deployment of our highly agile A-4N Skyhawks brought a new kind of threat for the participants to refine their combat skills and tactics.”

DA Defence began its contracted airborne training services for the German armed forces in January 2015 and is delivering air combat training and combat support for the German military at home and on deployment abroad.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan doesn’t think Canadian F-35 jobs are at risk. The issue of the Canadian government’s intentions on the F-35 program recently came up at the Standing Committee on National Defence. Sajjan repeated his previous line that the capabilities of whatever fighter jet Canada eventually purchases will be discussed in the defence review.

And what about the Canadian firms currently building parts for the F-35? How would they be affected if the government doesn’t buy the plane? Conservative MP James Bezan told Sajjan that those contracts will be cancelled and the jobs associated with supplying parts for the Lockheed Martin aircraft will be lost.

But Sajjan claimed that won’t be the case. “I don’t think those jobs are going to be cancelled,” he explained to MPs. “These Canadian companies have been selected for a particular reason because of their skills. This does mean these companies are going to be losing these benefits,” from the F-35, Sajjan said. “But as we move forward, regardless of what aircraft is decided upon, we need to make sure there is going to be 100 per cent industrial benefits for Canada. And that will always be part of any decision.”

In previous interviews, Lockheed Martin officials have said that if the Canadian government decides not to buy the F-35, the company would honour the contracts that exist with Canadian industry. But the firm’s approach on future work on the aircraft would be to focus on industries in countries that are acquiring the aircraft.

The Canadian government has a contract with Solar Ship Inc. to help expand Canada’s future capabilities in peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Through the federal government’s Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), the Department of National Defence (via the Royal Canadian Air Force) will work with Solar Ship to test and evaluate the capabilities of innovative aircraft designed to transport critical cargo during disaster relief missions, according to the company.

The aircraft will be tested for additional applications relevant to the RCAF’s support of humanitarian assistance missions, as determined by the Government of Canada.

Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Shopa, former lead operational test and evaluation officer for the RCAF’s CF-18 fleet, said in a statement that “Solar Ship has proven some core capabilities in conducting difficult missions when it demonstrated the ability to take off and land from a soccer field with a mass of 1.8 tonnes using solar electric power. Now we must further demonstrate that a number of key performance parameters can be met to enable disaster relief missions in regions such as Africa where there is little or no infrastructural support."

OSI Maritime Systems of Burnaby, BC announced the signing of a contract to provide Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (WECDIS) to the Turkish navy for the MILGEM Corvette New Build Program.

Under the terms of this contract, OSI will deliver WECDIS systems, including its world-leading ECPINS warship software for hulls 3 and 4 of the MILGEM program. Previously, OSI was contracted to deliver and install systems on hulls 1 and 2. The Turkish navy has deployed OSI systems on a number of classes of warships.

And now something for the defence industry executive who has everything. Pelican Products Inc. has introduced its first range of waterproof smart phone cases — the Pelican Marine case, which is designed for Apple iPhone 6/6S and iPhone 6 Plus/6S Plus.

The Pelican Marine case can be submerged at a depth of two metres for up to 30 minutes and safeguards against dirt, snow, and dust, the company says. It also features five layers of military-grade shock protection to withstand slips and drops. To safeguard against scratched and shattered screens, the Marine case also features a scratch-resistant, coated screen protector, the firm noted.

L-3 MAS in Mirabel, Quebec has been awarded a contract to inspect and modify the structure of the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet. (U.S. Navy)

L-3 Communications announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide depot-level maintenance (DLM) for the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 A/B/C/D fleet.

The F/A-18 DLM contract provides the U.S. Navy with the additional capacity it needs to carry out F/A-18 A/B/C/D structural life-extension modifications and inspections that will significantly improve the availability of strike fighter assets to meet operational commitments, L-3 noted in a news release. L-3’s Platform Integration Division in Waco, Texas, will serve as the prime contractor, while L-3 MAS in Quebec will be responsible for inspection and modification of the aircraft structure, as well as associated engineering support.

“L-3 is honoured to be selected by the U.S. Navy to conduct F/A-18 A/B/C/D life-extension and depot maintenance support work to help increase the Navy’s number of Ready-For-Tasking aircraft,” Mark Von Schwarz, president of L-3’s Aerospace Systems business segment, which includes the MAS and Platform Integration divisions, said in a statement. “By combining Platform Integration’s naval aviation experience with MAS’s world-class F/A-18 life-extension and depot maintenance expertise, L-3 demonstrates its ability to differentiate itself through collaborative capabilities in applying experience, performance and innovation to help a longtime valued customer achieve its goals.”

L-3 Platform Integration has maintained a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Navy and is currently the Navy’s preferred provider of P-3 DLM, the company noted.

C4i Training & Technology of Calgary has signed a large multi-year contract with a Middle Eastern country to outfit its armed forces with C4i’s MILSIM simulation training software.

The company is not naming the country that purchased the product. But the contract marks the third time a Middle Eastern nation has ordered C4i’s MILSIM products, according to the firm.

MILSIM is a multi-purpose computer simulation tool designed to train commanders and staff.

“The signing represents a substantial step forward for our customer; our MILSIM software will be used in their Command and General Staff College, to help future senior leaders,” Clive Morgan, C4i Vice President of Customer Solutions, noted in a statement. “This is complemented by multiple mobile training systems for deployment to front line units for tactical and operational planning and training purposes.”

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates received the go ahead from Airbus Defence and Space to proceed with the development of multiple communication subsystems to be integrated into the Inmarsat-6 mobile communication satellites. The full contract is expected to be valued in excess of $20 million.

The University of British Columbia recently announced it will receive a $2 million investment from Seaspan Shipyards over the next seven years to support innovative teaching and research in the naval architecture and marine engineering programs at the UBC faculty of applied science. As a result, two new UBC chair positions will be created, one in naval architecture and one in marine systems engineering, according to a news release.

The investment is a result of Seaspan’s “value proposition” obligations under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). As part of this agreement, Seaspan is committed to spending 0.5 per cent of each resulting NSPS contract to contribute to the development of a sustainable marine industry in Canada.

Team Spartan members General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Finmeccanica have announced the creation of a new joint venture to provide long-term in-service support (ISS) for the C-27J aircraft in Canada.

Managed by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, Spartan Aviation Services will be the Canadian ISS integrator if the C-27J is selected as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s next fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft, the companies say.

Spartan Aviation Services will be responsible for the delivery of the entire ISS program and will be supported by a partner network in Canada including: KF Aerospace, DRS Canada, TRU Sim, Rolls Royce Canada, Standard Aero, CAE, CMC Esterline, L3 Wescam and ATCO.

“It is very important to keep this venture Canadian – controlled by a strong Canadian firm coupled with the original equipment manufacturer as an integral partner in supporting the fleet for the long term,” David Ibbetson, General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, said in a statement. “Together we’re confident that we can deliver a highly capable and cost-effective solution to the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

On behalf of Swedish defence contractor Saab AB, Rheinmetall will be equipping a total of 88 Gripen NG (next generation) fighter aircraft armed with the BK27 automatic cannon with a newly developed linkless ammunition feeding system.

A C-27J sits on the tarmac of the Gatineau Airport, just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. A contender in the restarted fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) procurement project, the Team Spartan aircraft made a pit-stop in the nation`s capital on December 11, 2015 to showcase the plane`s capabilities to interested parties. (Richard Lawrence)

Brazil and Sweden — one new customer and one longstanding one — will soon have at their disposal Gripen NGs armed with the Mauser 27mm revolver cannon from Rheinmetall Oberndorf, according to the firm. Delivery will take place during the 2017–2025 timeframe, and includes service support and spare parts, Rheinmetall noted. It will also offer the ammunition for the weapon system.

The linked ammunition-feeding version of the gas-operated revolver cannon serves as the standard weapon in the multi-role Tornado, while the Eurofighter features the linkless version, according to Rheinmetall.

Discovery Air Defence has been busy. The company, which has a contract with the Department of National Defence to assist in the training of CF-18 pilots, will transfer its operations to a hangar located at the Saguenay-Bagotville Airport in Quebec.

That solution was proposed in order to allow the company to continue to provide its services while giving more operational flexibility in regards to base infrastructure. Colonel Darcy Molstad, Commander of CFB Bagotville, said in a statement that, “the move by Discovery Air Defence into the incubation hangar at the civilian airport will allow us to free up floor space to support the different units at the Base and to answer their needs. Such proximity to Discovery Air Defence is a major asset for the training services they are responsible for. We are very happy that they are in a new location, very close to their current location.”

“We are very excited about this important investment in the Saguenay region and to offer the next-generation of combat support services for the Canadian Armed Forces,” added Didier Toussaint, Group President of Government Services, Discovery Air. “Working with our partners at Promotion Saguenay and 3 Wing Bagotville, this new, state-of-the-art hangar represents the next phase of expanding our aircraft maintenance Centre of Excellence in Bagotville and the continued growth of the aerospace industry in Saguenay.”

Discovery Air Defence also recently deployed with RCAF CF-18s to Exercise Combat Archer at Tyndall Air Force Base in the U.S. DA Defence’s Alpha Jets executed numerous Red Air missions providing dissimilar air combat training for CF-18, F-22, F-35, and F-15 aircrew during a three-week deployment in Florida, which ended on February 5, the firm noted.

“They [DA Defence pilots] are Canadian-trained and are some of our most qualified pilots — utmost professionals,” LCol Dave Turenne, Commander of 425 Squadron, said. “Those guys are going to do exactly what we need them to do, by providing the presentations and understanding the exact things we’re looking for in training.”

The federal government announced in July that Mack Defense, LLC, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, had been awarded two contracts to provide standard military pattern trucks and related equipment for the Canadian Forces.

Assembly will take place in a Sainte-Claire, Quebec, plant operated by Prevost, one of the firms partnered with Mack.

The overall contract for the project, known by its military acronym as MSVS SMP, is worth $834 million.

In January 2016 Discovery Air Defence deployed its Alpha Jets and pilots to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, on a three-week deployment with Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s. The Alpha Jets executed numerous Red Air missions, providing dissimilar air combat training for CF-18, F-22, F-35, and F-15 aircrews as part of Exercise COMBAT ARCHER. (DA DEFENCE)

The new Mack trucks destined for the Canadian Armed Forces were put through cold temperature testing at the end of January. The tests at the “cold chamber” at the National Research Council’s facility in Ottawa were successful, said Department of National Defence officials.

The first delivery of the trucks and equipment is planned for summer 2017, and deliveries are expected to be completed by fall 2018. With the ability to carry 9.5 tonnes, the Standard Military Pattern trucks are the backbone of the Canadian Forces truck fleet, the federal government noted.

The Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) network and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. recently announced the recipients of $1.8 million to support nine new ocean research projects that align with MEOPAR’s aim to strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate and respond to marine risk. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. partnered with MEOPAR to contribute $1 million toward the proposal.

Irving Shipbuilding’s funding is pursuant to its Value Proposition obligation under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy; the firm is committed to spending 0.5% of contract revenues with the aim of creating a sustainable marine industry across Canada.

“Ensuring Canada has a sustainable and vibrant marine industry is a priority for Irving Shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy,” said Kevin McCoy, president of Irving Shipbuilding. “We are proud to work with MEOPAR to support leading edge research across the country that can help achieve this goal.”

Created in 2012 by the federal government, the MEOPAR network aims to build Canada’s capacity to anticipate and respond to marine risk by financing research and supporting skilled personnel with the needed expertise. Among the projects selected for funding include the monitoring of marine plastics in Canada’s north and the use of synthetic aperture radar-based systems for monitoring and predicting sea ice conditions.

Email dpugliese@shaw.ca with your industry news. You can also follow him at Twitter.com/davidpugliese and at http://ottawacitizen.com/category/news/national/defence-watch

MDA will provide upgrades to the ground systems supporting the radar surveillance systems on the RCAF's fleet of CP-140s. (Wikipedia)

MBDA announced on February 8 that it has commenced deliveries of a quantity of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) for the United Kingdom’s F-35B aircraft.

The first missile was delivered to the U.S. in January in conjunction with BAE Systems (the UK’s F-35 weapon integration lead). ASRAAM will be the first UK missile to arm the F-35 and its integration within the F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the program will give the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy’s F-35s a highly capable, passive, Within Visual Range air-to-air capability, MBDA officials noted.

British Defence Minister Philip Dunne welcomed the news from MBDA saying in a statement the upcoming work to integrate the MBDA Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile onto the F-35 “will provide a state of the art weapon for both our RAF and Royal Navy pilots.”

These test missiles will be used during 2016 for a series of flight trials and air-launched firings that are a key step towards the Initial Operating Capability of the aircraft by the UK. The trials will include environmental data gathering, safe separation from the aircraft and weapon integration with the F-35’s on-board systems. It will also involve weapon firing trials.

Kongsberg Maritime has been selected by L-3 MAPPS to provide the CCTV system for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS). L-3 MAPPS is one of the Tier 1 suppliers to Irving Shipbuilding, the prime contractor behind the AOPS program. Kongsberg Maritime has over 70 employees in Dartmouth, Vancouver and St. John’s, 190 employees in the UK and approximately 4,600 total across the world.

“Further to our recent CCTV supply for the Halifax-class frigates IPMS (Integrated Platform Management System) upgrade, we are delighted to be able to leverage from our proven marine & naval camera technologies to support L-3 MAPPS, Irving Shipbuilding and RCN on the prestigious AOPS Program which is a key milestone in the renewal of Canada’s combatant fleet,” David Fleming, Camera Systems Manager for Kongsberg Maritime, said in a statement.

Forming a key part of the IPMS, the CCTV system will provide the crew with real time video surveillance to assist with mission critical operations as well as providing increased safety, security and situational awareness on board the AOPS, the firm noted in a statement.

Deliverables from Kongsberg Maritime will include a combination of proven harsh environment CCTV cameras and cameras that have been adapted to meet the demands of RCN and an Arctic environment. That includes an upgraded, high definition, version of the proven Kongsberg Maritime Helicopter Operations Surveillance System (HOSS), which will assist in monitoring of the take-off and landing operations off the CH-148 Cyclone helicopters.

Kongsberg recently delivered a new CCTV system for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Star heavy icebreaker.

MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates of Richmond, BC, signed a contract amendment for $3 million with the Department of National Defence to provide upgrades to the ground systems supporting the radar surveillance systems on the RCAF’s fleet of CP-140s. Those systems were developed by MDA.

MDA’s radar surveillance system provides users with a high resolution imaging capability that can detect, locate, and classify land and marine-based objects, such as vehicles and ships.

Rolls-Royce announced that it had achieved a significant milestone for the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship program. At a recent ceremony in Bristol the company marked the completion of a successful factory acceptance test for the first MT30 gas turbine for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship in the presence of the UK Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne MP, and representatives of prime contractor BAE Systems.

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to supply MT30 gas turbines for the first three Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ships. The company has also signed Design Development Agreements (DDAs) with BAE Systems for steering gear, stabilizers, and mission bay handling equipment. There is also a DDA in place for diesel generator sets to power the ship’s electric drive system, Rolls-Royce noted.

In a statement, Don Roussinos, Rolls-Royce, President – Naval, said: “Successful completion of the factory acceptance test is a significant achievement for everyone involved in the Type 26 Program. Producing 36 to 40 megawatts the MT30 gas turbine is the world’s most powerful in-service marine gas turbine with the highest power density and will deliver a high power output in a compact space — an essential factor for naval propulsion.”

The factory acceptance test, which has to be completed before the gas turbine can be delivered, was carried out at the Rolls-Royce Test Facility in Bristol. The engine was put through a week of rigorous performance tests, witnessed by representatives from BAE Power Systems.

The MT30s are also being installed in the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. They are also in service with the U.S. Navy and have been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s latest frigate program.

Rolls Royce officials have noted that while the MT30 is built in its UK manufacturing facilities, the Type 26’s mission bay handling equipment is produced exclusively in the company’s Peterborough, Ont., marine manufacturing center.

The Oerlikon Skyguard 3 air defence system was recently bought by the Royal Thai Army. The system`s armament includes an Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF 007, VSHORAD missile launchers, and an Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk2 towed. (RHEINMETALL DEFENSE)

For the first time, the Royal Thai Army has awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for air defence technology. The multi-million euro order encompasses four latest-generation Skyguard systems.

In all, the group’s Swiss subsidiary Rheinmetall Air Defence will be supplying Thailand with four Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control systems and eight 35mm Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF 007 anti-aircraft cannons. The order also includes Rheinmetall’s unique Ahead airburst ammunition and additional services. Delivery will take place between 2017 and 2020.

A key element of the modernization program consists of equipping the missile/gun air defence systems with advanced radar technology.

Besides a new search radar, the Skyguard 3 systems will be outfitted (among other things) with a new target tracking radar, a latest-generation friend-foe identification system as well as cutting-edge electronic warfare components. The missile launcher will be upgraded with a new state-of-the-art electronic pod, which will enhance the system’s missile capability. Logistical support will also be improved.

Rheinmetall has also received a contract to modernize air defence system of an undisclosed international customer.

Irving Shipbuilding has fired back at the CBC about its news report detailing problems with the Canadian Coast Guard’s mid-shore patrol ships.

CBC cited complaints about faulty wiring and premature corrosion on the new Hero-class, 43-metre patrol vessels. Other complaints included polluted water tanks, faulty pipes, and a gearbox failure. Such issues could endanger the safety of the crew, the CBC noted.

Irving responded to the CBC report through a statement, noting that only “minor and routine” issues have been raised about the mid-shore patrol ships and it has worked with the Coast Guard to deal with these.

Irving acknowledged that five sections of cable, less than 500 metres of wiring, had to be replaced. But considering how much wiring is in the ship, “No reasonable person would call this ‘faulty wiring’,” Irving responded in its statement.

Irving has also noted that the mid-shore patrol vessel design is a proven one and that it has been certified by experts at Lloyds Registry and the Canadian government.

“The CBC identified the potential for problems in heavy ice conditions,” Irving also noted. “However, these operations are not designed or meant for operations in heavy ice. They are designed to be fast patrol ships.”

The French Ministry of Defence has launched the Aster Block 1 NT program. NT stands for new technology and the goal is to modernize the SAMP/T ground based air defence system as well as its associated Aster missile.

The contract was awarded to the EUROSAM consortium, which includes MBDA and Thales. It calls for the development of a new version of the Aster 30 Block 1 missile, referred to as Aster B1 NT.

Navtech generates annual revenues of around $42 million and employs over 250 employees, mainly based in Waterloo, Ont., and in Hersham and Cardiff, Wales, UK.

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and Chief Executive Officer, noted in a statement: “We are very pleased to welcome Navtech into our company, contributing its industry-leading portfolio of digital solutions and expert know-how.” He added: “This acquisition is further affirmation of Airbus’ digitalization and services growth strategies, and is a significant milestone to serve our existing and future customers.”

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc.recently achieved 55,000 hours of airborne training services for the Canadian Armed Forces, German Armed Forces and other air forces worldwide. This new milestone marks Discovery Air Defence’s continuous commitment as a trusted and proven provider of air combat training to Canadian and international customers, the firm points out. “2015 has been an important year for us,” Paul Bouchard, president of DA Defence, said in a statement. “The success of our Canadian and German programs, continued expansion of our U.S. operations and our tenth anniversary of training excellence make us extremely proud. I’m very excited about continuing to support our customers in 2016 and beyond.”

Garry Venman, VP of Business Development and Government Relations at DA Defence, noted that “55,000 hours of proven and trusted experience, successful international operations, and investments in game-changing aircraft, infrastructure and people continues to enable DA Defence to deliver the industry’s leading air combat solutions to customers worldwide.”

RaceRocksof Victoria, BC, recently signed a contract with Project ResolveInc. to act as the tier-one training provider for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Resolve-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship, MV Asterix, which is now under conversion at Chantier Davie CanadaInc. in Quebec.

RaceRocks had previously signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Project Resolve in September 2015. The LOI allowed RaceRocks to commence its activities and collaborate with Project Resolve on planning the training requirements until the Liberal government awarded, in late November, the contract to proceed with the ship conversion.

RaceRocks will now complete all activities required to deliver the requisite training systems for the Resolve-class AOR by the spring of 2017. The work will be executed by a pan-Canadian team with RaceRocks as prime, as well as with sub-contractors in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.

“It’s important to note that we did an extensive survey of the naval training service providers situated here in Canada and we determined very quickly that RaceRocks and its exclusive Atlantic partner, Modest Tree of Halifax, not only provide the most cutting-edge naval training solutions available, but are able to do so at a fraction of the cost,” Spencer Fraser, Project Resolve Inc CEO, said in a statement.

Germany has announced it will be buying more Boxer armoured fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The German Bundeswehr will buy 131 Boxer vehicles. The Boxers will be configured for an armoured personnel carrier role. Delivery is slated to take place during the period 2017 to 2020.

The German military already has 272 Boxers. The Netherlands is also a partner in the cross-border Boxer program, having ordered a total of 200 vehicles.

Airbus Defence and Spacehas received a firm order from the French Defence Procurement Agency for a further eight A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft. The aircraft constitute the second tranche of the multi-year contract for 12 A330 MRTTs signed by the French Ministry of Defence in November 2014 and bring the total firm order to nine, Airbus noted in a news release. The remaining three are scheduled to be confirmed in 2018, permitting deliveries of the 12 aircraft before 2025.

Paul Molina, head of Airbus Defence and Space Military Aircraft in Canada, announces the creation of AirPro on January 11, 2016. (richard lawrence)

The first A330 MRTT will be delivered to France in 2018, followed by the second in 2019, and the remainder at a rate of one or two per year.

Jim Quick, president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, announced December 21 that the organization had appointed Dwayne Lucas as interim vice president of AIAC’s Pacific division while the association conducts a search for a permanent replacement for Jay Teichroeb. Teichroeb, who led AIAC Pacific since it was founded in 2013, left at the end of December.

Previously the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Cascade Aerospace and a brigadier general in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lucas is a longstanding leader in the British Columbia aerospace industry, Quick pointed out.

L-3 Marine Systems UKrecently announced it had been awarded a design development agreement from BAE Systems for the initial design and development activities to support ship integration of its Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

Using core technology developed by Montreal-based affiliate L-3MAPPS, the company will perform the initial design and development activities to support ship integration at its facilities in Bristol, Burgess Hill and Barrow-in-Furness, the firm noted. The Type 26 Global Combat Ships are being designed by BAE Systems for the UK Ministry of Defence to replace the Type 23 frigates currently in service with the Royal Navy.

“Our advanced IPMS will enable these next-generation ships to achieve high levels of operational effectiveness under the most adverse conditions,” Roger Baker, general manager of L-3 Marine Systems UK, said in a statement.

The L-3 IPMS is based on proven and survivable control systems technology that has been delivered by L-3 MAPPS to over 160 ships and submarines in 18 navies worldwide.

In other news, L-3 WESCAM recently announced that a combined fleet of its MX-Series electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging and targeting systems had successfully logged close to one million flight hours on board various U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft.

The 184 systems continue to actively support three key programs, with the initial turrets having been fielded in 2005, the firm noted. Currently, 27 of these turrets have logged over 10,000 flight hours each while requiring only minimal in-field servicing. L-3 WESCAM has delivered over 1,700 MXSeries systems to the U.S. DoD in support of a variety of different programs.

“L-3 WESCAM is proud to support the U.S. Department of Defense as it continues to execute critical missions in some of the most challenging battlefield environments,” Rod Till, vice president of customer service for L-3 WESCAM, said in a statement. “Our ongoing investment in supporting customer requirements has enabled the DoD to maintain an extremely high level of operational availability by calling on our dedicated field support representatives and customized in-service support plans.”

L-3 WESCAM sustains its customer support through the continuous addition of worldwide service resources, including the strategic placement of 14 worldwide authorized service centres, numerous training facilities, and on-site field support representatives.

HMCS Toronto leads a fleet of North Atlantic Treaty Organization ships through the Black Sea during Operation REASSURANCE in September 2014. The Halifax-class frigates are being upgraded with a Lockheed Martin combat system. (SGT Matthew McGregor, Combat Camera)

Lockheed Martin Canadarecently announced several key program milestones for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class modernization (HCM) project.

The HCM project achieved First Article Acceptance, formal recognition that Lockheed Martin Canada’s combat system design meets the Navy’s performance requirements. First Article Acceptance was preceded by an extensive series of integration tests at the company’s Maritime Advanced Training and Test Site in Dartmouth, NS, the company pointed out.

Individual system acceptance of the Lockheed Martin Canada combat system has also been achieved on seven of Canada’s 12 Halifax-class frigates, the firm noted. The ships are: HMC Ships Halifax, Calgary, Fredericton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Vancouver and, most recently, Charlottetown. The frigates completed a rigorous sea trial program to validate the combat system is ready to support the RCN’s critical missions.

“Our innovative combat management system, integration methodology, and Canadian supply chain form the largest component of the modernization project,” Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president of Lockheed Martin Canada Mission Systems and Training, said in a statement. “Our team is thrilled to deliver Canadian-built, world-class technology to the Royal Canadian Navy.”

In Halifax, QRA Corp has started work to provide Lockheed Martin engineers with an advanced early-stage systems verification solution for the proactive development of increasingly complex cyber-physical designs.

The work brings together QRA Corp’s verification technology with Lockheed Martin’s large-scale system integration and design capabilities, thereby enabling QRA to push QVTrace’s rigorous analysis capabilities well beyond the level of efficiency and effectiveness of any tool before it, the firm noted in a news release.

“All large-scale system integrations will eventually proactively use technology similar to QVTrace,” Jordan Kyriakidis, QRA Corp CEO and president, said in a statement. “Although QVTrace is already an incredibly powerful tool for engineers, this work will help ensure it remains on the bleeding edge of innovation by taxing it with some of the most complex and demanding systems in the world. It’s an exciting time.”

To achieve this goal, QRA will evolve and deliver QVTrace, its flagship system verification tool, which enables engineers to target and detect errors within complex systems throughout the development cycle. By proactively ensuring critical system designs always satisfy their requirements, QVTrace will help Lockheed Martin engineers avoid costly reworks and potential catastrophic deployment failures by eliminating errors at the early stages of design, thus increasing systems confidence, reducing costs, and accelerating time to market, says QRA.

Seaspan announced in early January that Ian Brennan has joined the firm’s Vancouver Shipyards (VSY) as vice president of Supply Chain Management & Contracts. As part of Seaspan Shipyard’s executive team, Brennan will provide the strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight and direction of supply chain, warehousing and logistics, procurement, and contracts and subcontracts in support of new vessel construction at VSY.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ian to the team at Vancouver Shipyards,” said Brian Carter, president of Seaspan Shipyards. “Our commitment to invest in the right people is helping Seaspan change the course of shipbuilding on the West Coast of Canada as we proudly build the next generation of vessels for the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).”

Brennan has more than 27 years of experience in the shipbuilding and heavy project construction industries, and has worked on a number of major military procurement programs with Aircraft Carrier Alliance, BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions Inc. as well as Saint JohnShipbuilding Limited.

Airbus Helicoptershas delivered the first of Sweden’s NH90 aircraft configured for anti-submarine warfare duties. In total, 18 helicopters will be delivered. The fully qualified rotorcraft has an entirely customized mission system including underwater sonar, tactical radar and high cabin for improved interior space.

L-3 WESCAM announced December 7 that it has received an order from Austrian-based Airborne Technologies GmbH for four MX-10 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems to be installed on the UK National Police Air Service’s (NPAS) newly procured P68 fixed-wing aircraft. As the prime contractor and integrator for the NPAS fixed-wing program, Airborne Technologies will acquire and integrate L-3’s MX-10 with displays, a moving map and a digital video recorder, and will downlink the integrated solution into its own Airborne LINX mission system. MX-10 deliveries to Airborne Technologies will begin in March 2016, according to L-3 WESCAM.

“This order expands L-3’s presence in the police air support marketplace and adds to the number of MX-10 systems currently supporting tactical ISR missions throughout the UK,” Paul Jennison, vice president of government sales and business development for L-3 WESCAM, said in a statement. “We are very proud that our MX-10 has been selected as a key component of the fixed-wing fleet’s mission system and are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with both the UK NPAS and Airborne Technologies.”

Operating throughout England and Wales, L-3’s MX-10s will be configured with 4-axis stabilization and a suite of advanced sensors, including a four-field-of-view thermal imager, daylight continuous zoom TV, low-light continuous zoom TV and a 300-mm spotter. In addition, the system’s suite of MX-GEO technologies will provide accurate geographical data and advanced tracking assistance.

L-3 WESCAM’s MX-10 underwent extensive NPAS flight trials from both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms in 2014, which led to its selection in October 2014 for the high-profile NPAS EC135T2 helicopter upgrade program.

Lockheed Martingot some welcome news when the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to the F-35 fighter jet. Not only will the UK stick to its plans to purchase 138 of the aircraft, but it now wants to accelerate the acquisition.

Meanwhile, F-35A pilots are training at a United States Air Force base in Utah on four full-mission simulators, all linked together. The training is for the 34th Fighter Squadron, which will be the first squadron to reach initial operational capability with the F-35. That is scheduled to happen in August 2016, according to the USAF.

“As a complement to live flights, the full-mission simulators present a secure, realistic environment for pilots to develop tactics and integrate the F-35 into the Air Force’s arsenal,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement.

Héroux-Devtek Inc.announced December 2 that it had renewed an important long-term contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide landing gear repair and overhaul services for the C-130, E-3 and KC-135R aircraft.

The long-term contract spans a period extending to the end of the U.S. government’s 2021 fiscal year in September 2021. Under the terms of the agreement, Héroux-Devtek is also responsible for the manufacturing and delivery of certain aftermarket components for these aircraft.

“This important multi-year agreement further confirms Héroux-Devtek’s status as a world leader in the R&O market for defence aircraft landing gear,” Gilles Labbé, president and CEO of Héroux-Devtek said in a statement. “Our proven track record for quality, on-time delivery and second-to-none customer service has fostered a solid relationship with the USAF, for which we have been providing R&O services for 45 years.”

Calian Technologies Ltd.’sHealth Services team announced that Dr. Richard Birtwhistle was named the recipient of a Calian Research Award, along with a commitment of $105,000 over a three-year period. The announcement was made at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) 2015 Forum in Quebec City.

Dr. Birtwhistle is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Queen’s University, the director of the university’s Centre for Studies in Primary Care, and the chair and principal investigator of the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN), which has developed a central repository of data on chronic diseases from a network of primary care practitioners.

With this Calian Research Award, the scope of the CPCSSN database will be expanded to include several Primacy clinics and the addition of specific identifiers for military members, veterans and their families. Primacy is a subsidiary of Calian, which exclusively manages the national clinic program for Loblaws with over 145 in-store medical clinics across Canada.

“As a strong supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces and its members, Calian is pleased to support this innovative research. This database, the first of its kind in Canada, will eventually fuel evidence-based research to promote consistency of care and improved outcomes for serving military members, veterans and their families,” said Scott Murray, vice president of Health Services at Calian.

Meanwhile, the Composites and DefenceSystems business of Morgan AdvancedMaterials has been awarded the Canadian CM735 combat helmet contract. The improved helmet features an ultra-lightweight hybrid composite structure, the result of more than three years of materials research and development, and achieves outstanding ballistic performance at an extraordinarily low weight. Morgan has supplied over one million combat helmets as part of the company’s LASA (Lightweight Armored Soldier Architecture) line of products.

The helmet also features Morgan’s latest ballistic and fragment composite technology, which helps to avoid severe injury from back face deformation and dynamic impact to the user’s head when the shell is hit by fragments.

Morgan’s new CM735 Canadian shell provides very high levels of ballistic performance with weight savings of approximately 23 percent over the existing CG634 shell with a weight of less than 920 grams (32 ounces).

The Canadian CM735 combat helmet contract has been awarded to the Composites and Defence Systems business of Morgan Advanced Materials.

Morgan is honoured to be providing the Canadian Forces with their next generation lightweight ballistic helmet,” Composites and Defence Systems North America Business Manager James Kempston said in a statement. “Morgan’s CM735 solution uses the latest composite technology, providing increased protection for substantially less weight. With nearly 25 per cent weight reduction, it is truly a game-changing helmet in an environment where reduced burden is directly related to increased user performance and decreased fatigue.”

QRA Corphas welcomed David Lizius to its board of directors as an independent member. Lizius is a high-tech industry veteran with experience leading both business and technical design teams across the space, defence, and biotechnology sectors. His career began at Marconi Space Systems (now part of Airbus) and later AEA Technology plc, leading design teams to develop complex space systems including electric propulsion, electromagnetic design software, and the first lithium ion battery to power an orbiting spacecraft. Lizius recently led COM DEV Canada as president and delivered headline programs, including an instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope and the optical payload for the Sapphire Space Situational Awareness Mission.

“David has demonstrated the rare ability to combine technological engineering skills with strategic business sense throughout his career,” said Jordan Kyriakidis, QRA co-founder and CEO. “QRA has committed itself to build solutions to the design efficiency problem as a result of the increasing system complexity demands since day 1, and David’s first-hand experience with the problem and the high-tech industry itself is a valuable addition to our team at QRA.”

The last C-17 Globemaster III built at Boeing’s Long Beach plant recently received a send-off from more than 1,000 spectators. The aircraft will be housed in San Antonio, Texas, until it is delivered to the Qatar Emiri Air Force early in 2016.

“This is truly the end of an era. It’s a sad day, but one that all of the Boeing employees and suppliers who have worked over the years building this great aircraft can be proud of,” Nan Bouchard, vice president and C-17 program manager, said in a statement.

The Long Beach facility built more than 250 C-17s over 20 years.

L-3 WESCAMhas announced that it signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Company (ADASI), a subsidiary of Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), to open an L-3 WESCAM Authorized Service Center (WASC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The new service center will offer maintenance and repair solutions to regional customers who operate L-3 MX-10 or MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging and targeting systems.

The Dubai Airshow marks the beginning of operations in Abu Dhabi for this latest WASC. Rod Till, vice president of customer service at L-3 WESCAM, and Ali Al Yafei, chief executive officer of ADASI, were part of a signing ceremony that took place at the show’s EDIC pavilion November 10.

“We are very proud to welcome ADASI as a partner in expanding our growing worldwide network of service centers,” Till said in a statement. “Our customer base within the Middle East has grown significantly over the past few years, and offering the convenience of a local support center further underscores the commitment we’ve made to servicing the mission systems of our regional customers.”

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space with two research projects to enhance emergency preparedness and safety of operations in collaboration with Canadian partners. Airbus Defence and Space will monitor man-made changes on land and support tactical ship route planning in Arctic waters.

Based on their collaboration in space, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have announced the funding of six major research projects in the domain of emergency response and safety of operations. DLR has awarded Airbus Defence and Space with two of them.

In collaboration with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd. (MDA), the first project will examine man-made changes on land using multi-frequency SAR satellite data. The methods developed throughout this project will monitor the changes’ impact on the environment, including new buildings, roads, forests, and surface movements due to industrial activities such as mining. For the second project, Airbus Defence and Space will work with C-CORE to investigate the synergistic use of X- and C-band SAR-data for tactical ship route planning in Arctic waters, its objective being to monitor the sea ice situation along shipping routes in the north. Both Canadian partners receive funds from CSA.

Enfotec Technical Services Inc., one of the end users, believes that satellite imagery plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of navigation in ice-covered waters. The project addresses how to best use different satellites concurrently in order to increase the overall quality of the ice information provided to ships, the news release from Airbus Defence and Space Canada noted.

“With our experience in natural disasters and maritime monitoring, we are confident to support Canada in improving its emergency capacity readiness in the High North,” said Simon Jacques, president of Airbus Defence and Space Canada Inc.

Seaspan ULChosted a groundbreaking ceremony November 27 to announce it has officially started construction on a new head office in North Vancouver. The 7,800 square metre (84,000 square foot) corporate headquarters is scheduled for completion in late 2017. Once complete, the building will house 350 Seaspan staff (up from the current 130) from across its various companies.

Seaspan’s groundbreaking event follows on the heels of the start of construction on the first National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) ship — the Canadian Coast Guard’s Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV). Construction of the OFSV started this June after the on-time and under-budget completion of Vancouver Shipyards’ two-year, $170 million shipyard modernization project.

Seaspan expects to hire another 1,300 trade workers and office staff over the next five years.

Bombardierannounced that it has delivered the first of two specialized Challenger 605 aircraft ordered by the Hong Kong Government Flying Service.

This multi-role aircraft can be used for search and rescue, VIP transportation, medical evacuation, as well as other special missions. The Challenger multi-role aircraft will replace the existing SAR aircraft currently operated by the Hong Kong Government Flying Service for long-range search and rescue operations, Bombardier said.

The Asterix, a commercial ship will become the new interim supply ship for the Royal Canadian Navy after conversions are made by Chantier Davie shipyards of Levis, Quebec. This ship will help fill the gap until the Joint Support Ships are ready in 2020-2021. (Project Resolve)

HoneywellInternationalof the U.S. will buy COM DEV, Canada’s second largest space firm, and a space equipment provider for the Department of National Defence.

The purchase price is $455 million.

Components manufactured by COM DEV, based in Cambridge, Ontario, are on a large number of commercial geostationary-orbit telecommunications satellites.

COM DEV is also a key player on military space programs. It worked on the Canadian Forces Sapphire satellite project. COM DEV is also involved in the Canada’s Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) satellite project. That project will provide search and rescue repeaters to be installed on the USAF’s GPS 3 satellites.

COM DEV attempted to enter the U.S. defence and government market with the establishment of a California facility. But in January, the firm acknowledged it was closing that installation.

What is not clear is whether the Canadian government will prevent the sale. In 2008, the government blocked the sale of MDA Corp., of Richmond, BC to ATK of the U.S.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson along with leaders from Thales in Canada and members of the Ottawa academic and business communities, officially opened Thales’ new Experience Centre on Oct. 15.

“As a leader in R&D investment in Canada, Thales has designed this innovative new space to support the development of new technologies and help build the next generation of solutions, with our partners in key areas such as urban security, smart mobility and urban computing,” said Siegfried Usal, Vice President, Strategy and Communications.

Military-grade technology is coming to the consumer market.

Pelican Products Inc.has announced that its elite roster of Pelican ProGear Voyager and Protector cases will provide military-grade protection for the newly-revealed Apple iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus in addition to its predecessors, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

“Because people make sizeable investments in the latest iPhone, we’re here to make sure they protect that investment,” said David Becker, Vice President of Sales – Consumer Electronics.

The Asterix has arrived in Canada and is at Davie shipyards in Quebec, ready to undergo conversion into an interim supply ship for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The ship will help fill the supply ship gap (Canada no longer has any) until the Joint Support Ships arrive in 2020-2021.

A deal still has to be reached between the federal government and Davie/Project Resolve (the firm providing such services to the RCN).

But that is expected to be in place and ready to go by 2017.

Canada is also leasing at-sea-replenishment services from the Chilean and, starting next year, the Spanish navy. Those ships will be available for the training of RCN crews.

In addition, Davie and Project Resolve had a proposal to offer Canada two such interim supply ships (Asterix has a sister ship which could also be converted).

But the DND tells Industry Watch that the RCN isn’t interested.

“A contract for the services of a second converted vessel is not being considered by the Royal Canadian Navy,” DND spokeswoman Ashley Lemire said.

Meanwhile, Davie announced that it has formalized a partnership with ALMACO Group, a marine accommodation specialist.

ALMACO will open a site-office and setup assembly facilities at Davie as well as enter into a technology- and knowledge-transfer with the firm.

Cavalry troopers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team prepare to fire the mounted M2 .50-calibre machine gun via the Remote Weapon System. General Dynamics Land Systems won a contract to mount a 30mm gun and new turret on U.S. Army Strykers in Europe. (U.S. Army)

As part of Davie's Project Resolve program, ALMACO and Davie have worked with OMX, a Canadian supply chain technology platform focused on optimizing Canadian content in defence procurements, to engage both domestic equipment suppliers as well as serving and retired Royal Canadian Navy staff.

An ongoing survey allowed industry and RCN staff to make their suggestions as to how Davie and ALMACO can optimize the accommodation on board and improve the quality-of-life for all personnel onboard.

Nicole Verkindt, President of OMX noted in a statement: "This level of engagement with the people who will actually sail onboard federal ships is innovative and unprecedented. By using the suggestions from the OMX survey, it has allowed Davie to work with ALMACO and Canadian suppliers to provide a safe, efficient and comfortable living environment for our sailors"

General Dynamics Land Systemswill mount a 30mm gun and new turret on U.S. Army Stryker vehicles in Europe.

But it is unclear whether General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C) in London, Ont. will receive the work.

The upgrade will involve 81 vehicles and is to deal with concerns the vehicles are lacking weaponry in the face of a potential Russian threat in the region. The work is expected to be finished by 2018.

It is expected that up to eventually 1,000 Stryker vehicles will be upgraded.

In an interview with the London Free Press, a spokesman for GDLS-C played down the news.

This is early in the process and we cannot speculate on any impacts this may have to GDLS or London jobs," said Dough Wilson-Hodge, manager of corporate affairs for GDLS-C.

Lockheed Martin Canadahas announced that the ANZAC frigate systems upgrade project successfully completed the combat system critical design review on schedule and to New Zealand's satisfaction.

The government-mandated review proves a contractor's progress and planning for all elements of a program. It covered in detail all of Lockheed Martin Canada's plans for shipboard systems and designs, the firm noted. With the successful review, Lockheed Martin Canada can now begin implementing detailed designs and plans for the system's key components, which will in turn lead to ship installation. The milestone is the latest achievement for Lockheed Martin Canada's ANZAC team in the 16 months since contract award, according to the firm.

In April 2014, following an extensive worldwide competitive tender, Lockheed Martin Canada was selected as the prime systems Integrator by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to upgrade the combat systems on their ANZAC class ships. Lockheed Martin Canada's Combat Management System 330 is the backbone of the technical solution for the project and many of the sub-systems to be supplied by Lockheed Martin Canada are common to the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax Class Modernization Project.

Kraken Sonar Inc. Inc.,based in Newfoundland, has received a $1.5 million contract from a major international defence contractor for a KATFISH sonar system. Along with spare parts and support, the initial order could exceed $2 million. Due to the sensitivity of its business, the client's name cannot be disclosed.

BMT Group, an international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has announced the launch of a new Canadian-based subsidiary, BMT Clarity. A management consultancy that provides high value advice and insight to complex Canadian public sector programs, BMT Clarity brings together the deep, specialist and local knowledge of experts from sister companies BMT Hi-Q Sigma and BMT Fleet Technology, the company noted.

Based in Ottawa, BMT Clarity brings together BMT Hi-Q Sigma’s experience of delivering management consultancy services in other markets and BMT Fleet Technology’s deep understanding of the challenges facing procurement and reform programs that comes from over 30 years of working with the Canadian Federal Government, the firm added.

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. and Project Resolve Inc. announced Oct. 8 that the MV Astérix had been delivered in Lévis, Quebec, and that the vessel’s acquisition from its former owners is now complete. Federal election candidates visited the ship on Oct. 13 to get briefed on what is being called Project Resolve.

The arrival of the containership marks another step in Project Resolve’s program to convert the vessel in order to provide interim at-sea support services to meet the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational requirement for at-sea replenishment, the companies noted.

Design of Project Resolve's MV Astérix. (projectresolve.ca)

The vessel conversion will take place at Davie Shipbuilding in Lévis and features a Canadian team of suppliers. Pending a signed agreement with the Canadian government, the converted vessel will be delivered for service in the summer of 2017, the companies say.

There have also been more contracts awarded by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. for Project Resolve, the provision of leased refuelling/supply ship services to the RCN.

RaceRocks of Victoria, B.C., signed an agreement with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. and Project Resolve Inc. to deliver a full complement of modern technology-enabled learning systems for the Resolve-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship.

This training will fully integrate with the Royal Canadian Navy’s newly announced Naval Training System (NTS) and will be inherently compatible with the Defence Learning Network (DLN) and Canadian Virtual Naval Fleet (CVNF), according to RaceRocks. “RaceRocks has extensive experience integrating its world-class training tools into the NTS,” Spencer Fraser, CEO of Project Resolve said in a statement.

In addition, OSI Maritime Systems of Burnaby, B.C., announced that Chantier Davie/Project Resolve Inc. have selected its Integrated Navigation and Tactical System (INTS) for the interim AOR, the Astérix. “OSI is known globally for its expertise in providing military integrated bridge systems for new build and retrofit projects,” Ken Kirkpatrick, OSI president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are proud to be working with Davie and Project Resolve and to be part of this truly Canadian experience from East to West. This event marks another major RCN project in which we are involved, and with OSI comes 100 per cent Canadian content and expertise.”

OSI’s Integrated Navigation and Tactical System (INTS) is a fully scalable, IMO and NATO STANAG 4564 WECDIS compliant integrated bridge system that offers a flexible design able to meet the requirements of demanding military environments, the firm noted.

Kirkpatrick said this is the same technology that is being used on the AOPS program.

Heroux-Devtek Inc. of Longueuil, Que., was awarded a long-term contract by Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland to supply the landing gear for the AW609 TiltRotor aircraft.

Under the terms of the agreement, Heroux-Devtek will design, develop, fabricate, assemble, test and deliver complete landing gear systems for the AW609 aircraft. This life cycle mandate also includes the provision of spare parts, according to Heroux-Devtek.

Design work is expected to begin very shortly and will be mainly carried out at the St-Hubert, Que., and Runcorn (United Kingdom) facilities, marking the first partnership between Heroux-Devtek’s North American operations and AgustaWestland, the firm added.

Heroux-Devtek’s European operations had previously developed the landing gear for AgustaWestland’s AW101 aircraft.

As of April 2015, almost 60 AW609 aircraft have been ordered by international customers for a variety of roles and missions, including offshore transportation, emergency medical services and patient transfer, search and rescue, as well as government duties.

Thales has recently been contracted by Lockheed Martin Canada to supplying IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogators and transponders for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).

The Long Range IFF interrogator will enable AOPS to identify friendly aircraft and to ensure 360-degree cooperative civilian and military aircraft surveillance, Thales noted.

The contract won by Thales is based on the latest version of the BlueGate Long Range IFF interrogator products and new miniaturized transponder. It is fully compliant with the latest version of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) civilian standards and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) / U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) military standards. By fulfilling the latest standards, the AOPS will be able to make surveillance without any restriction, in particular to on shore Civilian Secondary Surveillance Radars.

Thales says it has supplied over 19,000 IFF units for more than 100 types of aircraft, vehicles and naval vessels worldwide.

CAE won defence contracts valued at more than $100 million.

Some of the key contracts include: the United States Air Force exercising another option year for CAE USA to continue providing comprehensive training services as part of the KC-135 Aircrew Training System (ATS) program; the United States Navy exercising another option year for CAE USA to continue providing T-44C aircrew training services; and a five-year contract to provide a range of maintenance and in-service support on the German air force’s Eurofighter training devices as part of an industry team in Germany.

CAE will also have specific responsibility for maintaining the Eurofighter visual systems, including CAE Medallion-6000 image generators as well as projector and display systems, according to the company. The maintenance and in-service support services will be performed on-site at Laage, Neuburg, Noervenich and Wittmund, which are the four Eurofighter main operating bases in Germany.

Textron Systems, which is providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), received an award to provide another 55 Commando Select vehicles to the Afghan military. The deal is for a $56.2 million firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command.

The four-wheeled Commando Select vehicles are being delivered to the Afghan National Army. Deliveries will be completed by February 2016.

Called Mobile Strike Force Vehicles by the Afghan National Army (ANA), these vehicles will be deployed in support of security operations throughout the country. More than 630 of these vehicles have been delivered to the ANA since 2012.

On the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) project front, the deadline for bids has been moved. Proposals were supposed to be in Sept. 28 for FWSAR, but the process has now been extended and bids for the new aircraft for the RCAF will now be required by Jan. 11, 2016.

Public Works official Pierre-Alain Bujold tells Industry Watch that the extension was requested by companies.

Public Works did not provide any further details such as which companies asked for the extension in bidding or why.

Public Works estimates that once bids are in, it may take another six months to evaluate the proposals. It has no idea when the winning bidder would be announced or when aircraft might arrive.

“It is only once this evaluation has been duly completed and the selection of the successful bidder has been approved that further information will be released,” Public Works noted in a statement. “A delivery schedule of the new fleet will only be finalized once proposals have been received and the successful bid presented to government.”

The Department of National Defence says it expects a contract award in 2016 and final delivery of the planes in 2023. No details have been provided on when the first deliveries of planes would take place.

It’s unclear what impact the latest delay would have on the 2016 award date.

The Department of National Defence tells Industry Watch that testing has already begun on Rheinmetall’s future soldier system.

“The system qualification phase of the acquisition contract, which includes testing of the systems, has started,” noted DND spokeswoman Ashley Lemire.

The military hopes to finish that testing next year and a full contract will be awarded to the firm after that.

In July Rheinmetall was awarded the contract for the first phase of the Canadian Forces’ Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP). The company’s modular integrated system includes communications and navigation technology and will improve the situational awareness of the individual soldier.

“So the basic elements of the system: a radio, you have a technical interface,” Stephane Oehrli, a vice-president at Rheinmetall Canada, explained to journalists at the news conference at the firm’s facilities at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. “It kind of looks like your Smartphone at home.”

The system also includes mapping, tracking and GPS capabilities. “The actual goal is to increase the situational awareness of the soldier on the battlefield — that he knows where he is, that he knows where his buddies are,” said Oehrli.

The equipment can also be integrated into the Canadian military’s Land Command Support System, according to Rheinmetall.

The initial contract is worth $7 million, according to the company. But Rheinmetall is counting that once the Canadian government declares the system fully acceptable in 2016, it will exercise options under the contract to buy up to 4,144 of the systems, and award a second contract for related support. The total value of both contracts could reach $250 million, according to Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall Canada is supplying the system in cooperation with Saab AB. As prime contractor, Rheinmetall’s Canadian subsidiary is responsible for system development and integration, program management, and integrated logistics.

L-3MAPPS has announced it has been awarded the implementation subcontract by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. for the supply of the Integrated Platform Management System for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).

Under this contract, L-3 MAPPS will complete the design work undertaken during the earlier project definition phase to build, integrate, test and deliver a modern IPMS for the new vessels, the firm announced in a news release.

“Further to our ongoing successful implementation of the Halifax-class frigates’ IPMS upgrade, we are very pleased to be working with Irving Shipbuilding on this new and very important Royal Canadian Navy project,” Ranges Kasturi, president of L-3 MAPPS said in a statement.

In addition, Sagem (Safran) announced it had won the contract from OSI Maritime Systems Ltd to provide the inertial navigation systems for the AOPS.

Each AOPS will be outfitted with two BlueNaute attitude and heading systems from Sagem.

The new-generation BlueNaute system is based on a proprietary Sagem technology, the hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG), the firm noted.

The U.S. Coast Guard had already selected the BlueNaute system in 2015 to modernize its Reliance-class medium-endurance cutters and the Juniper-class seagoing buoy tenders.

In other news, the RCAF is still trying to figure out the next step on its Tactical Control Radar modernization project.

The contract with Thales Canada Ltd. to procure two radar units to supportCF-18 fighter operations in Cold Lake, Alta., and Bagotville, Que., is in the process of being cancelled.

The systems were to replace the RCAF’s TPS-70 tactical radars, which were bought in 1990.

Neither Public Works, the Department of National Defence nor Thales Canada are saying what went wrong with the project that was originally to cost $55 million. The 2011 deal called for the first of two Ground Master 400 radars to be delivered in February 2013.

But DND documents obtained by the CBC show that costs had risen to more than $78 million by 2013. By November 2014, Public Works was deep in negotiations with Thales to resolve the problems, CBC reported.

Public Works now acknowledges to Industry Watch that “in February 2015, Canada and Thales reached an agreement in principle to terminate this contract by mutual consent.”

Thales Canada has declined comment.

At the time of the original contract announcement, Thales noted that its award was building on its “40-years track record of providing world-class sensor systems to the Canadian Forces.”

So how will the federal government proceed with replacing the aging RCAF radars? Will there be a new competition?

“Public Works is working with DND to identify an appropriate path forward to meet their long-term capability needs on this project,” stated Public Works spokeswoman Jessica Kingsbury.

So what about the existing radars? How long can they keep operating? Will the cancellation of the contract have an impact on RCAF operations since replacement radars don’t appear to be coming anytime soon?

DND replied with an emailed statement that did not answer those questions. Instead the DND email noted the following: “With regards to the AN/TPS-70 systems employed by the Tactical Control Radar (TCR) Squadrons at 3 Wing/CFB Bagotville and 4 Wing/CFB Cold Lake, they have been at the forefront of our national and international Fighter Force’s training for over two decades.”

Meanwhile, BAESystems is highlighting that a Canadian firm is already contributing to the Type 26 project. BAE recently awarded the first equipment manufacturing contracts for the ships, including the Canadian firm WR DavisEngineering Ltd for the uptakes and downtakes on the vessels.

Tom Davis, Vice President of WR Davis, said: “We are delighted to participate in the prestigious Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ship program for the supply of the complete downtake, uptake, and IRS systems for the propulsion and ship service engines. This builds on our previous success of supplying similar systems for the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers and reinforces our position as a world leader in the design supply of engine exhaust IR suppression systems, and engine downtakes and uptakes, for naval warships.”

WR Davis entered into a contract with BAE Systems for design, manufacture, and supply in May 2015 and is currently performing the system integration and detailed design; the firm is on track to deliver the first ship set of equipment in the summer of 2017.

espritdecorps

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Esprit de Corps is a Canadian military magazine covering issues related to Army, Navy, Air Force, national defence, security and foreign policy. We also publish Canadian military history pieces and veterans news.